KENOSHA, Wis. (August 13, 2026) – The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) joined education, industry, and community leaders in celebrating the grand opening of the new KTEC Schools of Innovation campus, a milestone that represents far more than a new facility. The campus reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and strong secondary-to-postsecondary pathways. 

At a time when the United States faces a growing skilled workforce shortage, investments in career and technical education have never been more important. The new campus includes expanded learning spaces and state-of-the-art, industry-driven labs designed to connect students with high-demand careers and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. 

As an NC3 Leadership School, KTEC Schools of Innovation has become a leading example of how schools can bridge education and industry to create meaningful opportunities for students.  

Michelle Thorne, NC3’s Senior Program Manger participated in the grand opening celebration, joining KTEC leadership, students, families, industry partners, and community members in recognizing the impact the new campus will have on learners throughout the region. 

As one of NC3's growing secondary education partners, KTEC welcomed educators, administrators, and industry leaders attending the NC3 Annual Leadership Summit earlier this summer for an exclusive preview of the new campus. Attendees experienced firsthand how partnerships with organizations including Gateway Technical College and NC3, and global industry partners, Snap-on, Festo, Lincoln Electric, Greenlee, and RIDGID, are preparing students for high-demand careers through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications in construction, transportation, electrical, welding, manufacturing, and other skilled trades. 

"We're celebrating something much bigger than a building," said Roger Tadajewski, Executive Director at NC3. "This campus represents a bold vision of career and technical education. KTEC is expanding opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials and develop the skills employers need. As workforce challenges continue to grow across our nation, KTEC is helping define the future of Career and Technical Education by demonstrating what's possible when education, industry, and community partners come together with a shared purpose." 

Through these partnerships, students gain exposure to high-demand career pathways, build confidence through competency-based learning, and forge meaningful connections between education and employment. The impact extends far beyond the classroom, strengthening local businesses, supporting economic growth, and helping communities build the skilled workforce needed for the future. 

As NC3 continues to celebrate more than one million industry-recognized certifications earned across its network, KTEC stands among the institutions helping drive that impact. The opening of the new KTEC Schools of Innovation campus marks an important step forward not only for students, but for the broader community and the future workforce. NC3 congratulates KTEC on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to seeing the lasting impact this campus will have on learners, employers, and the region for years to come. 

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About KTEC Schools of Innovation 

KTEC Schools of Innovation is a tuition-free, independent public charter school serving students in grades 4K through 12 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. By integrating academic excellence with hands-on learning, career exploration, and industry partnerships, KTEC empowers students to become confident problem solvers, innovators, and leaders prepared for the future. 

Learn more at www.ktecschools.org. 

About NC3 

NC3 was established to help build a workforce prepared to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s industries by connecting employers and educational institutions in synergistic partnerships that foster effective training, elevation of skilled careers, and employment opportunities. In fulfilling its mission, NC3 builds deep industry-educational partnerships and develops, implements and sustains industry-recognized portable certifications and digital badges built on national skills standards. We envision an industrial labor market where all workers have jobs they need to thrive and all companies have well-trained employees they need to operate and grow.  

Learn more at www.nc3.net